AshMap
Overview
The Undercrown Sun Grown Gran Toro represents a watershed moment in Drew Estate's value-tier portfolio—a cigar that arrived in 2016 as a deliberate evolution of its predecessor, swapping the original Undercrown's Connecticut wrapper for an Ecuadorian sun grown leaf that fundamentally transforms the smoking experience. What emerges is a more vibrant, articulate profile that trades binder-forward heaviness for a brighter, more nuanced complexity that rewards attention without demanding expertise. Hand-rolled at the TABSA factory in Estelí using Nicaraguan longfiller aged a minimum of three years, the Gran Toro format delivers a leisurely 90-minute smoke that unfolds with remarkable coherence across three distinct acts.
The cigar opens with an inviting cold draw of stone fruit and toasted grain, transitioning immediately upon lighting into a harmonious blend of roasted almonds, dry cedar, and citrus zest—all courtesy of that sun grown wrapper's characteristic brightness. The middle third deepens the narrative considerably, introducing bittersweet cocoa, seasoned leather, and a grassy Habano spice that builds palpably on the retrohale, while dried apricot and black pepper add dimensionality without overwhelming the palate. By the final third, the smoke concentrates toward medium-full strength, with espresso, toasted oak, and dark fruit sweetness carrying through to a warm, earthy finish that lingers impressively.
Construction across the board is exemplary—TABSA's craftsmanship is evident in the effortless draw, perfectly even burn line, and firm grey ash that readily holds an inch or more. The Undercrown Sun Grown Gran Toro occupies a rare space in the contemporary cigar market: it is approachable enough for intermediate smokers seeking accessible complexity, yet sufficiently rewarding for seasoned aficionados who recognize quality when they encounter it. At $10–$12 per cigar, it embarrasses competitors at double the price and stands as perhaps Drew Estate's most accomplished achievement in the everyday tier—a Liga Privada experience within reach of a reasonable budget.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Sun Grown Habano — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan Habano |
| Filler | Nicaraguan longfiller from Jalapa, Estelí, and Condega regions, aged a minimum of three years |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua — TABSA factory (Drew Estate) |
| Vitola / Shape | Gran Toro |
| Size | 6 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $9–$12 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Fillers aged minimum three years prior to rolling; finished cigars rested before release |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw offers stone fruit and toasted grain. Upon lighting, the first third delivers immediate notes of roasted almonds, dry cedar, and a pleasant tangy citrus zest from the sun grown wrapper. A light creaminess underscores the transition from light to medium complexity.
Second Third
The core of the smoke deepens into bittersweet cocoa, seasoned leather, and a grassy Habano spice that builds gradually on the retrohale. Dried apricot and mild black pepper emerge, adding dimensionality without overwhelming the palate.
Final Third
The final third concentrates the strength toward medium-full, with espresso, toasted oak, and a lingering dark fruit sweetness reminiscent of raisin or dried cherry. The spice settles into a warm, long-finishing earthiness that rewards patience through the nub.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is consistently excellent from TABSA — the draw is open and effortless, and the burn line is even with a firm, light grey ash that holds an inch or more with ease. Very little maintenance required.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A lightly aged rum such as Flor de Caña 7-Year or a medium-grain Scotch like Monkey Shoulder — the cigar's fruit and spice notes harmonize beautifully without competing with heavily peated or overly sweet spirits
Wine
A Grenache-based Côtes du Rhône or a Spanish Garnacha — the wine's red fruit, moderate tannins, and earthy minerality mirror the cigar's profile without overpowering it
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast single-origin Colombian pour-over coffee or a light-bodied cold brew — the natural acidity and brightness complement the wrapper's citrus and cedar character
Who Should Smoke This?
The Undercrown Sun Grown Gran Toro appeals to intermediate and experienced smokers alike who value accessible complexity without pretense. It's ideal for those seeking an afternoon or post-dinner smoke with genuine depth—neither too demanding nor too simple. The 90-minute duration makes it perfect for a leisurely session without the commitment of a larger format. If you appreciate sun grown wrappers' characteristic brightness and want a Liga Privada-adjacent experience at everyday pricing, this is your cigar. Beginners willing to graduate from milder offerings will find it welcoming; seasoned smokers will appreciate its efficiency and refinement.
Bottom Line
The Undercrown Sun Grown Gran Toro is Drew Estate's most accomplished value-tier offering—a vibrant, beautifully constructed cigar that punches significantly above its $10–$12 price point and deserves a permanent place in any serious smoker's regular rotation. This is everyday excellence.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Undercrown Sun Grown cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Undercrown Sun Grown Gran Toro a strong cigar?
It carries a medium-full strength profile (4/5), building gradually from a lighter first third into more assertive espresso, oak, and dark fruit notes in the final third. It's robust enough for experienced smokers without being overwhelming.
What does the Undercrown Sun Grown Gran Toro taste like?
The profile opens with roasted almonds, dry cedar, and citrus zest from the sun grown wrapper. It evolves into bittersweet cocoa, seasoned leather, and grassy Habano spice mid-smoke, finishing with espresso, toasted oak, and dark fruit sweetness reminiscent of raisin or dried cherry.
How long does the Undercrown Sun Grown Gran Toro take to smoke?
The Gran Toro format (6 x 52) typically requires approximately 90 minutes to smoke, making it ideal for a leisurely afternoon or post-dinner session without excessive time commitment.
What is the best pairing for the Undercrown Sun Grown Gran Toro?
For spirits, try a lightly aged rum like Flor de Caña 7-Year or a medium-grain Scotch such as Monkey Shoulder. Wine pairing options include a Grenache-based Côtes du Rhône or Spanish Garnacha. A medium-roast Colombian pour-over coffee or light-bodied cold brew complements it beautifully on the non-alcoholic side.
Is the Undercrown Sun Grown Gran Toro good for beginners?
It's approachable for intermediate smokers and those ready to graduate from milder offerings. The balanced profile and excellent construction make it accessible without being overly complex or demanding, though it rewards experience and attention.
Where can I buy the Undercrown Sun Grown Gran Toro?
The cigar is widely available through established premium retailers and online tobacconists. It is sold in 25-count boxes and distributed by Drew Estate through its authorized dealer network.
What is the price of the Undercrown Sun Grown Gran Toro?
The Undercrown Sun Grown Gran Toro is priced between $9–$12 per cigar, positioning it as an exceptional everyday value offering that competes favorably with cigars at double the cost.
Is the Undercrown Sun Grown Gran Toro worth aging?
The cigars are finished and rested before release, and the filler tobacco is aged a minimum of three years prior to rolling. While the cigar delivers excellent quality upon purchase, additional cellaring will allow the profile to meld and potentially develop greater complexity over time.
What wrapper does the Undercrown Sun Grown Gran Toro use?
The cigar features an Ecuadorian Sun Grown Habano wrapper in a Colorado shade. The leaf displays a medium-brown color with a silky texture and subtle toothy character, contributing vibrant citrus and bright cedar notes to the profile.
Where is the Undercrown Sun Grown Gran Toro made?
The Undercrown Sun Grown Gran Toro is hand-rolled at the TABSA factory in Estelí, Nicaragua by Drew Estate's master artisans. The cigar was introduced in 2016 as an evolution of the original Undercrown, using Nicaraguan Habano binder and Nicaraguan longfiller from the Jalapa, Estelí, and Condega regions.